The Inner Pup

THE MISSION OF THE INNER PUP IS TO PREVENT SUFFERING AND SAVE THE LIVES OF COMPANION ANIMALS BY ERADICATING HEARTWORM DISEASE, PROVIDING LOW-COST VETERINARY SERVICES AND TEACHING RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP

The Inner Pup envisions a future where every pet and owner experiences an enhanced bond through accessible health services and optimal care. We aim to see shelters as reunification points for lost pets, not as repositories for homeless pets. We advocate for a world where pet surrender is rare, and animal abuse and neglect are obsolete. Our goal is to outlaw unethical breeding practices. This vision fosters a deeper, more compassionate relationship between pets and their owners, reflecting a community where the welfare of pets is a shared responsibility.

Goal One: Offer heartworm prevention by providing affordable, low-cost prevention methods to at-risk pet owners, and we offer affordable treatment options for dogs already affected by heartworm disease.

Goal Two: Work towards expanding our existing veterinary assistance program, ensuring all pet owners can access essential healthcare for their pets regardless of financial constraints.

Goal Three: Broaden our services and expand our reach. By expanding our reach, we will be enhancing their overall well-being and enabling them to care better for their pets

Our staff and volunteers, enriched by a variety of work and personal experiences, have enhanced their expertise through online courses in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), and have developed skills in time management and communication. This diverse background contributes to a unique blend of skills and leadership styles within TIP, fostering an environment adept at resolving conflicts and upholding our core values. Our team's friendly, casual approach underlines our commitment to being welcoming, non-judgmental, and open to feedback and growth, which are vital to the effectiveness and inclusivity of our organization.

Our organization has grown substantially in the last eighteen months, propelled by economic shifts and pet owners' escalating needs. Our expansion includes an increase in staff and volunteers, now boasting two full-time employees, one part-time employee, two full-time volunteers, and over 100 active volunteers, many of whom are veterinary professionals and students. Our operations evolved in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19, leading us to modify our interactions with pet owners and their pets. This adaptation helped us overcome these challenges and enhanced our effectiveness and outreach. New sponsors, donors, and grants, including a few transformative ones, have fueled our growth. These resources enable us to concentrate our efforts in specific neighborhoods. A major change is the development of our volunteer program in our social media and marketing activities as well as specific project assignments. The help of skilled volunteers gives us the ability to do much more than our staff alone can accomplish. We always had a volunteer base for our clinics, but we have increased volunteer participation this past year. We have also strengthened our ties with other animal rescue organizations and local shelters, working more closely than ever. As a result, our treatment program, particularly for heartworm-positive dogs, has expanded, reflecting our deeper engagement in target neighborhoods. This growth signifies an increase in size and a deep enhancement in our capacity to serve the community and its pets.